The Luxury Travel Guide to Niue 🍸 [2023]

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How to Get to Niue

Limited flights, cruises and sailing to Niue on your own yacht are about the only ways to get to this remote island, making for an all-exclusive ambience. See our full list of transport options in the 11 Ways to Get to (& Around) Niue. Otherwise, here’s a quick rundown on how to get to Niue…

Flights to Niue

Direct flights between Auckland, New Zealand and Niue happen on a limited weekly schedule, with Auckland Airport having hundreds of connecting flights. The flight between Auckland and Niue takes approximately 210 minutes (3 hrs 30 mins). An important thing to note is that New Zealand and Niue have a 24-hour time difference, so when you depart Auckland on a Tuesday morning, you arrive in Niue on a Monday afternoon, for example.

Flights arrive at Niue at Hanan International Airport, approximately a five-minute drive from Alofi. Find out more about the airport in Which Airport to Fly to in Niue. Note that the departure process for Hanan Airport is a little unusual in that you can’t go through airport security until at least an hour after you have checked in. See Leaving Niue: The Niue Airport Departure Process for more details.

Cruises to Niue

Niue is on the itinerary of a limited number of South Pacific cruises from New Zealand, Australia and the US. Due to the rocky nature of the island, cruise passengers can only disembark at Niue if the weather and the swell are safe enough. Often visits to Niue are cancelled in bad weather. Learn more about cruising to Niue in Which Cruises Visit Niue?

Sailing to Niue

Niue has a small number of moorings available, which are recommended to be booked prior to arrival to ensure a smooth clearance process. The Niue Yacht Club provides facilities. Learn more about sailing to Niue in The Guide to Sailing to Niue.

A Note on Customs Declarations

Niue has strict biosecurity measures at the border to stop unwanted pests and diseases from entering the country. Therefore, anyone arriving in Niue has to declare any “risk items” they have packed in their luggage – even common items like food and sports gear. Be sure to read up on Arriving in Niue: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & Arrival Process so you are prepared.

Check out our complete guide on How to Get to Niue for even more tips on making your way to the island.

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The Best Time to Visit Niue

Niue is a tropical island with warm temperatures experienced throughout the year. It has only two distinct seasons, the hot and humid wet season and the drier and cooler dry season. Learn more in What is the Weather Like in Niue?

Dry Season (May to October)

The dry season, also called winter, is a drier and cooler season with temperatures typically around 21-27°C (70-81°F). The average monthly rainfall is 90-160 mm (3.5-6.3 in). This season is also best for whale swimming, Village Show Days and fishing for particular species like wahoo and mahimahi.

Wet Season (November to April)

The wet season, also known as summer, is Niue’s most hot and humid season with temperatures typically 22-29°C (72-84°F). Rain tends to be more frequent than in the dry season with a monthly average of 156-300 mm (6.1-11.8 in) and there is a small risk of cyclones affecting the country. This season is best for fishing particular species like yellowfin tuna.

So when is the best time to travel to Niue? Check out our complete guide, The Best Time to Visit Niue, which dives deeper into the subject.

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Niue Packing List

The main thing you need to keep in mind when packing for Niue is to have a tropical wardrobe that includes some more modest items of clothing for exploring Niues’s villages. A packing list for Niue might look a little something like this:

• 4 Singlets/T-Shirts
• 2 Light blouses/shirts to cover the shoulders for church and sun protection
• 2 Shorts/skirts which are not too short so you can enjoy wearing them at both your resort and when out exploring
• 1 Light evening dress to impress at dinner
• 1 Dress/skirt below the knee for church, spending time in villages, etc. We recommend light fabrics such as the sustainable bamboo dresses and skirts by Moso Morrow
• 1 Sarong (paleu) will be your best friend for hitting the swimming holes and covering your swimwear in between. You can bring your own or there are plenty for sale once you arrive in Niue
• 1 Light rain jacket/small umbrella (some accommodations like Scenic Matavai Resort and Taoke Fales have umbrellas to borrow)
• 1 or 2 Light sleepwear if you’re against sleeping in your undies
• 1 Light Cardigan/pashmina/poncho for cooler evenings
• 1 Sports shorts/leggings for active activities
• 1 Sports T-shirt/singlet for active activities
• 1 Outfit to travel between Niue and home
• 3 Bras including strapless, sports and comfort
• 6 Underwear
• 4 Socks
• 1 Bikini
• 1 One-piece for watersports
• 2 Boardshorts for guys
• Mask and snorkel
• Rash vest
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Walking shoes/sneakers
• Reef shoes/water shoes.

And that’s just the clothes! For a full packing list of everything to take, including accessories and toiletries, check out The Complete Packing List for Niue.

Health Products

Tap water is Ok to drink at certain accommodations on the island, but not everywhere. The island also experiences high UV levels and mosquitos, so packing products for your health is recommended. Natural sunscreens and mosquito repellents are advised to protect you and Niue’s fragile ecosystem. Instead of buying bottled water, use reusable purification bottles for obvious environmental reasons. See our health essentials packing list in What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for Niue, as well as tips for protecting the health of the environment in the 26 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in Niue.

Currency

The currency of Niue is the New Zealand Dollar. Cash is the most widely accepted payment method with many outlets also accepting MasterCard, Visa and New Zealand debit cards. There is no ATM on the island, but you can take money out at selected outlets. See What is the Best Way to Pay in Niue? for more information.

Travel Documents and Paperwork

To enter Niue, you need a passport that is valid for up to three months after your arrival date. A free Visitor Permit is granted upon entry if you are from a visa-waiver country. Otherwise, an Entry Permit is required. There may be other current entry requirements, which we keep up to date in What Documents Do I Need to Travel to Niue?

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How Long to Spend in Niue

Niue might make for an idyllic tropical getaway to simply relax for a few days  – and that’s fine; we all need to R&R from time to time. Most travellers, however, are here to explore one of the most unique islands in the South Pacific along with its natural attractions and marine experiences. With that in mind, here’s what you can achieve in certain timeframes…

4 Days in Niue

The shortest time period between Niue’s two flights a week, four days gives you time to do some sightseeing on both coasts of the island, as well as one tour. See Niue Luxury Itinerary: 4 Days for suggestions.

5 Days in Niue

For five days, you can explore both coasts of the island, as well as fit in one or two tours. See Niue Luxury Itinerary: 5 Days for ideas.

7 Days / 1 Week in Niue

One week in Niue gives you time to visit all of the major highlights along the coast, as well as do some of your bucket list activities. See Niue Luxury Itinerary: 7 Days for recommended trip ideas.

14 Days / 2 Weeks in Niue

This amount of time in Niue allows you to enjoy all of Niue’s coastal attractions, fit in the activities and tours you’ve dreamed of, as well as time to relax. See Niue Luxury Itinerary: 14 Days for itinerary suggestions.

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How to Travel Around Niue

Niue might be a small island that should be easy to explore but there are limited transport options. While hiring a car or an e-bike is recommended to make the most of the island, we’ll still give you all of your transport options:

Car Rentals

With no public transport, it’s highly recommended that you hire a car, not only to explore Niue to its fullest but to also enjoy an independent holiday experience. A Niue Driver’s License is required to drive in Niue, which you can learn more about in What You Need to Hire a Car in Niue.

Airport Transfers

Some accommodations on the island offer airport transfers free of charge at the beginning and end of your trip. Find out more about transfers in the Airport Transfer Options in Niue.

Bicycle and E-Bike Rental

Some accommodations and car rental companies hire bicycles and e-bikes to explore some of the island and bike trails. Note that the island is too big to typically enjoy cycling around. Find out more in The Guide to Cycling & Mountain Biking in Niue.

Motorcycle Rental

Motorcycle rental is extremely limited in Niue, perhaps due to the rough ride with the roads’ potholes. Nevertheless, get wised up to the ways of the motorcycle in The Guide to Renting a Motorcycle in Niue.

Guided Tours

Niue has a very limited selection of guided tours that include transport around the island. Nevertheless, guided tours are an option to see the coastal attractions with transport included. Find out more in The Best Sightseeing Tours in Niue.

For more ways to get around, as well as more transport advice, head over to our Niue Transport Guide: 11 Ways to Get Around Niue.

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Where to Stay: Luxury Accommodation in Niue

Niue keeps its accommodation options small and intimate. There is only one resort on the island, while the rest of Niue’s accommodations come in the form of boutique cottage complexes/motels, holiday homes and guesthouses. Don’t expect five-star luxury, but modern three-to-four-star stays are available.

We go through almost all of Niue’s accommodation options in The 30 Best Accommodations in Niue, while the most luxurious options are listed in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Niue.

The Resort

By far Niue’s largest accommodation, the Scenic Matavai Resort is a four-star resort with a pool, restaurant and evening entertainment. The main resort has international hotel-standard rooms, while the Scenic Matavai Villas & Apartments offer self-catering facilities and its own pool. Note that the villas and apartments are approximately a kilometre away from the main resort. Find out more about the resort in the 10 Best Hotels & Resorts in Niue.

Cottage/Villa Complexes

Accommodations like Namukulu Cottages, Taloa Heights and Breeze offer a handful of self-contained cottages surrounding communal facilities, such as a swimming pool or whale lookout. Check out our descriptions of Niue’s cottage complexes and villas in How to Pick the Best Villa in Niue for You, as well as the 10 Best Boutique Accommodations in Niue and the 10 Best Villas in Niue.

Holiday Homes

Niue has plenty of holiday homes allowing you to experience your own quiet corner of the island. Holiday homes range from one bedroom to four/five bedrooms so there’s a private place to stay for most group sizes. Find out more in How to Pick the Best Holiday Home in Niue for You, while the top options are listed in the 10 Best Holiday Homes in Niue.

(c) BAND - Niue Tourism

Luxury Tours and Activities in Niue

Forget lavish scenic flights, sailing with canapés and massages in private bungalows (Ok, the last one does exist, which we mention in the 10 Luxury Experiences in Niue). The point is, Niue offers more down-to-earth experiences where luxury is found in the quality of the clear waters, the abundance of marine life and highly-revered nature and culture tours.

Luxury Experiences in Niue

• Indulge in a tropical massage
• Try your luck on a fishing charter
• Dive in the clearest waters on a scuba diving trip
• Get acquainted with the island on an orientation tour
• Treat yourself to fresh seafood dishes at the local restaurants
• Experience a close whale or dolphin encounter
• Shop for unique art and souvenirs
• Play golf on Niue’s very own golf course
• Enjoy some sundowners at one of the bars.

For more details on each experience, see the 10 Luxury Experiences in Niue. Otherwise, get an overview of the highlights below…

Fishing Charters in Niue

Fishing is an integral part of village life in Niue, but instead of heading out on a traditional vaka (canoe) with a fishing net or line, you’ll be kitted out with the latest gear on a purpose-built fishing vessel. Hire out a fishing charter for the morning, or the whole day if you’re eager, to try your chances at catching the likes of mahimahi, yellowfin tuna, skipjack, wahoo, marlin, sailfish, giant trevally and more! There’s a wide range of charters to choose from, so compare your options in the 10 Best Fishing Charters in Niue and plan your entire fishing experience using The Guide to Fishing in Niue.

Massages and Facials in Niue

Transition into “island time” with a soothing massage in Niue. Either have a massage in the privacy of your own accommodation or set the scene in a clifftop studio nestled in forest with Maulu Spa. Indulge in a range of healing massages using natural coconut oil (or something else if you prefer) or be treated with a body scrub. Vilina in Alofi is another undeniably lush option for facials, manicures and pedicures. Learn more about these experiences in The Best Spas in Niue.

Scuba Diving in Niue

See what it’s like to scuba dive in up to 80 m (262 ft) visibility, dive through chasms, caves and see astonishing marine life on one of the scuba diving tours in Niue. There are PADI-accredited dive operators offering a range of dive tours and courses. Compare your options and more in The Guide to Scuba Diving in Niue.

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Food in Niue

Niue might be a remote rock in the South Pacific, but it still manages to offer surprising and delectable cuisine. Being an island nation, fresh fish is always fantastic here, while anything with coconut or taro is sure to delight the senses!

The Best Restaurants in Niue

A must-eat is the Kaiika Restaurant in Alofi. With a Tokyo sushi chef combined with Pacific fish, the Japanese cuisine is to die for. They also serve up premium ice creams and sourdough pizzas.

For photo-worthy plates, head to the Dolphin Restaurant of the Scenic Matavai Resort, whose a la carte menu features succulent steaks, fresh catch of the day and more. Dessert is typically an affair of colourful plates of fruity treats, indulgent chocolate fondants and more.

Most visitors to Niue have time to sample all of the restaurants in Niue, so see what else you are in for in the 20 Best Restaurants in Niue.

Special Diets

With tropical vegetables and coconut cream being staple ingredients in Niue, vegans and gluten-intolerant diners are usually easy to cater for at the Niue Market and Niuean buffets but you will struggle to find “creative” options on most menus. Self-catering is advised for most travellers with special diets or providing restaurants with your own staple ingredients is another option. Check out Niue for Vegans & Vegetarians + The Best Restaurants, as well as The Gluten-Free Guide to Niue for more advice.

What Food to Try

And what are the foods worth trying in Niue? With homegrown food products, from aromatic organic Niue vanilla to honey produced from some of the world’s cleanest bees, and traditional dishes, such as uga and takihi, trying the local staples is one of the best things about visiting Niue. Niuean food is best sampled at arranged umu/Niuean buffet nights, as well as occasionally at the Niue Market and Village Show Days. Find out more about what local dishes to try in the 810 Unique Foods in Niue You Have to Try.

Food and Water Safety

Tourist accommodations in Niue typically have access to safe drinking water, whether it’s tap water with a UV-filtration system or bottled water in your fridge. See Is the Water Safe to Drink in Niue? for more advice. Food in Niue is generally cooked to safe hygiene standards, but check out Niue Safety Tips for precautions to take.

We go into much more detail on where to eat, what to eat, self-catering and food tours in The Guide to Food in Niue.